Food Waste

Why have we got to do it?

The Council has to provide this service under the Environment Act 2021. There are some good reasons to do it.

Food waste from across Lincoln is currently collected in the general waste / black bin (waste that cannot be prevented, reused, or recycled) and disposed of at the Energy from Waste plant in North Hykeham, where it is incinerated to drive turbines for the production of energy. As well as producing energy, this process also produces greenhouse gas emissions.

Approximately 26% of Lincolnshire's general waste is made up of inedible and edible food that has been thrown away.

Reducing the amount of edible food you throw away at home can save you money.

Alongside guidance and tips on how to reduce the amount of food waste we collectively produce, we will be asking residents to separate food waste from the general waste (black bin) so it can be collected separately.

Once collected it will be diverted to an Anaerobic Digestion plant, which harnesses natural processes to break down the food to create electricity, biogas and fertilisers. As the food is broken down it releases methane from waste, which drives turbines. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

The Environment Act 2021 is part of the Government's plan to transition the waste sector to net zero by 2050 and mandates the separate weekly collection of food waste by 31st March 2026, supporting our ambition to provide a cleaner, greener waste service for our residents, and supporting residents to do the right thing for our environment.

Is this just for this council?

No - Government announced that all councils must bring in this service across England by 31st March 2026.

When is it starting?

Household food waste collections will begin from 30th March 2026.

When will the caddies be delivered?

They will be delivered during February / March 2026.

What do I get?

You will receive a small silver / grey 5 litre indoor kitchen caddy, and an initial supply of 52 caddy liners (liners make the process easier and keep your caddy clean).

You will also receive a black 23 litre outdoor caddy with an orange lid to present at the kerbside each week. Or, if you are served by communal waste bins, you will have access to a communal food waste bin (black with orange lid).

For size reference, a standard individual household wheeled bin is either 140 litres or 240 litres depending on where you are in the city, but you can see from this that the caddies are relatively small, so easier to handle.

What can go in it?

All food intended for human or household pet consumption (regardless of nutritional value) including biodegradable material resulting from the processing or preparation of food, including:

• meat, raw and cooked, including any bones
• fish/shellfish - raw and cooked, including bones and shells
• fruit - raw and cooked
• salad and vegetables - raw and cooked, including peelings
• dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese
• eggs and eggshells
• bread, cakes and pastries
• rice, pasta and beans
• any meal leftovers
• tea bags and coffee grounds
• tinned and dry pet food
• small amounts of gravy, sauces or custard left on food (larger amounts should be sluiced down the sink as with milk and fruit juice)

Can I put fats and oils in the food waste caddy?

Yes, but only in specific forms. Small amounts of used cooking oil are acceptable if they are soaked up by other, solid, food waste such as bread or pasta. Cooked, solidified fats from roasting or frying can also go in the caddy. You should not pour any liquids directly into the caddy, and no packaging of any kind should be included.

Can any kind of tea bags go in? What about plastics in them?

Yes, any tea bag can go in the food waste caddy. All packaging and non-organic material, including plastic in tea bags, is removed by sifting equipment before the digestion process, and sent for Energy from Waste.

How often will this be collected?

Weekly.

Your food waste collection day will be on the same day as your residual / recycling waste collection day (but at a different time).

If you are served by communal bins, they will be emptied weekly but not necessarily on the same day as the other bins.

Will my other bin collection days be changed?

No.

What happens to the food waste?

Food waste for recycling will be collected by our waste and recycling crews and taken to a local processing plant. Anything that is not food, such as caddy liner bags, is then separated from the load.

The food is then processed and transformed into a biogas and fertiliser. This biogas is used to generate energy. By using this energy, it reduces our need to use fossil fuels.

More detail on this can be provided on request.

Will it smell?

No more so than when you currently put food waste into your general bin. If you empty your indoor caddy regularly, there should be no odour or risk of insects as your outdoor caddy is collected weekly.

For people with fortnightly black bin collections, food waste will be collected more often than currently, so if anything there will be fewer smells.

What is the benefit to me?

Separating your food waste helps you see how much is being thrown away, giving you the opportunity to cut back and save money on food you don't eat.

For people with fortnightly black bin collections, food waste will be collected more often than currently, so if anything there will be fewer smells and less chance of attracting insects.

Recycling your food waste also benefits the environment. Instead of going to waste, it's transformed into green energy and fertiliser that helps support local farms - turning leftovers into something useful.

I have a disability / I am elderly and don't think I can manage

We already offer an Assisted Collection service to collect bins from a more convenient place for our elderly and disabled residents, and the service will apply to weekly food waste collections also.

Let Customer Services know if you require assistance with food waste when you first apply for the Assisted Collection service.

If you already receive the Assisted Collection service, we will assume that you also require it for food waste, unless we hear otherwise.

If you stop needing the Assisted Collection service at any time, please let us know.

Do I have to pay?

No, this is a service for all residents and there is no charge or subscription.

Will this affect how much I pay for Council Tax?

No, the introduction of food waste collections will not affect how much you pay for Council Tax. This service is being funded separately to help improve recycling and reduce the amount of waste going to the Energy from Waste plant, in line with national environmental goals.

Can I have a second caddy?

If you have a household with six or more people, and you find you need a second caddy (of either or both types) due to the volumes of food waste being presented for disposal, we will provide a second caddy on request. Please use the service for at least a month before requesting a second caddy, to be certain that it is needed.

What size are the caddies?

The indoor caddies are 5 litres and the outdoor caddies 23 litres - much smaller than a wheeled bin (individual property wheeled bins are usually 140 litres or 240 litres. Communal wheeled bins are usually 1100 litres).

How will I keep the food waste caddies clean?

There are several things you can do to keep them clean, so here are a few tips:

Use a liner. With the caddy delivery you will be supplied a roll of liners that can be processed in the food waste composting / recycling process.

You can also line your caddy with old bread bags etc.

You can line your caddy with newspaper or kitchen roll before inserting the liner, for extra protection.

Empty the indoor caddy into your outdoor caddy or communal food waste bin regularly.

Both indoor and outdoor caddies can be washed out using hot soapy water, white vinegar or disinfectant to keep them clean. Alternatively, the smaller caddy can be placed in the dishwasher (max 60 degrees C).

Where larger communal bins are provided, such as at flats, the Council will regularly wash the communal food waste bins.

Will I get liners if so, how many?

We are including an initial roll of 52 liners on caddy delivery at the start of the service, and to any new property that joins the service within the first year of service. Future supplies will be subject to review.

What can I use as alternatives to the liners? (e.g. Can I put plastic bags/liners in the caddy?)

If you don't have any caddy liners, you can use plastic bags such as old bread bags. You can also buy caddy liners. You could use newspaper or kitchen roll to line your caddy instead.

Are you providing compostable liners?

We are not providing compostable liners. The Anaerobic Digestion facility removes all liners at the front end of the process, whatever they are made of, as any packaging will not breakdown at the same rate as the food itself. The facility will therefore treat all packaging the same, sending it for energy recovery whilst the food waste goes through the treatment facility. Therefore, you can use plastic, recycled plastic or compostable liners, or whatever you need to do to successfully capture the food waste.

What happens when we run out of liners?

We're providing an initial roll of 52 liners for your kitchen caddy, to help you get started with the service right away. These liners are designed for the small kitchen caddy only. You don't have to limit yourself to one liner per week or make the roll last a full year, if you are happy to provide your own liners once they have run out. A decision hasn't yet been made about whether additional liners will be provided after the first year. You can purchase replacement liners from most supermarkets or food stores. You can also line your caddy with alternatives such as old bread bags, plastic shopping bags, newspaper or even kitchen roll. These are all suitable and easy-to-use options that help reduce waste and keep things convenient.

What happens if I put the wrong items in the food caddy?

If your caddy contains the wrong things, crews may not collect it. In such cases it will be left for you to remove the contamination and re-present next week. If a caddy is repeatedly misused it will be investigated, and support and advice will be provided.

If a communal food waste bin is contaminated we to the extent that the waste can't be collected, it will be emptied as if it were normal domestic waste. If this happens on a few occasions, we will engage with the people served by the bin to ensure that everyone understands what is required. If it continues to happen, with no improvement, the bin may have to be withdrawn.

I don't have room for a food caddy in my kitchen, what can I do?

The food caddy is only a small container (5 litres) and is designed to be kept indoors (e.g. on a kitchen work surface/under the sink). However, if you don't have space or prefer not to use your indoor caddy, you can use your own container or just empty your food waste directly into the larger food caddy outside.

I don't have enough space to store the kerbside caddy. What are my options?

The kerbside caddy is intentionally much smaller than the usual wheeled bins, so does not take up much space. It is also made of robust materials, so can be kept outside, which we hope will be helpful in finding space.

However, if you still think that storing a kerbside caddy isn't possible, you might consider sharing with a neighbour. As a last resort, if you don't have room for a 23 litre caddy anywhere on your property, and can't find a way to share, you will not be able to take part in the scheme. Let us know if this is the case.

Will I be able to put additional waste at the side of the caddy?

No - all food waste must be contained in the outdoor caddy and not left at the side of it.

What happens if my kitchen or outdoor caddy disappears or is damaged?

You can request a replacement.

The Council may supply this free of charge but reserves the right to refuse or to charge if it considers the caddy not to have been used correctly, or if there have been excessive requests from the same property.

What happens with missed collections?

As these collections are weekly, and the larger caddy has capacity for more than a week, please just present again next week. Please make us aware if your caddy is missed more than once so we can investigate.

Can I put my kitchen caddy out for collection?

No. You must present your kerbside caddy for collection or use the communal bin if you have a communal bin collection service. Please don't present the kitchen caddy inside the kerbside caddy either.

How do I stop animals from getting into my caddy?

When you put your kerbside caddy out for collection ensure the lid is closed and the handle is positioned in the forward position to lock the lid closed.

If possible, it may help if your caddy is placed at a height, for example on your garden wall.

Do I have to take part?

The Council has, by law, to provide you with the option to recycle food waste. You don't have to do it of course, but there are many good reasons why you should. Here are just a few:

• It's the most environmentally sound things to do,
• Saves space in your general waste bin,
• Lets us recycle more of your waste towards the national recycling target (which if successful means there is less risk you'll be asked to do other things or have more containers in the future).

We will be providing you with everything you need to take part, and whilst it might take a little getting used to at first, it is important to recycle food waste rather than sending it to be incinerated at the Energy from Waste plant.

Everything we throw away has an impact on the environment. By recycling waste correctly, we can significantly reduce the impact. We want to turn as much of the county's food waste as possible into green energy and fertiliser for farmers.

What if I don't produce any food waste?

Almost all of us produce some food waste. Remember, there is no amount too small. For example, banana skins, tea bags, coffee grinds and plate scrapings can all be put in your kitchen caddy.

I don't throw away my food, I compost it. Is this OK?

That's great to hear! Home composting is a fantastic way of reducing waste, recycling nutrients and producing soil improver for use in your garden. If you have any food waste that is not suitable for your compost bin, such as cooked food, please do make the most out of your kerbside food recycling collection service.

Why can't we put our food waste in with our garden waste?

In Lincolnshire, garden waste and food waste are treated differently once they're collected. Our garden waste is composted outdoors using a process designed for grass cuttings, leaves and plants, which is not suitable for food waste. Instead, our food waste will be managed in a sealed treatment process, so it's collected separately in food waste caddies and taken to an anaerobic digestion plant, where it's turned into energy and fertiliser. This means food waste gets the right treatment and delivers better environmental and economical benefits for Lincolnshire.

Will you reject my general waste bin if it contains food waste?

No, we will still empty your general waste but would encourage you to separate your food waste wherever possible as everything we throw away has an impact on the environment. By recycling things correctly, we can significantly reduce the impact. We want to turn as much of the county's food waste as possible into green energy, and fertiliser for farmers.

Do I have to take spoiled food out of packaging?

Where possible please remove packaging. However, if you cannot do this we would still ask you to put the waste into your food waste caddy for collection as packaging is removed as part of the recycling process.

I don't want my caddy; will you take it back off me?

We will be delivering caddies to all properties in line with the requirements of the Environment Act 2021 and will not be taking them back other than in exceptional circumstances.

Are residents just doing the job of the council now?

Not at all. The council is still fully responsible for collecting and managing waste. By separating out food waste, residents are helping to make the process more efficient and environmentally friendly. It's a team effort - your actions make a big difference in increasing recycling rates, lowering carbon emissions, and creating greener communities.

Using the food waste caddies helps reduce the amount of rubbish going to incineration, which is better for the environment and can save money in the long run. Food waste collected separately can be recycled into renewable energy and compost - turning leftovers into something useful.

While you can put food in your refuse bin, we can't separate it afterwards. Recycling it through the new service is a much greener choice and helps us all do our bit for the environment.

Can food waste still be taken to the tip? If so, does it have to be separated from normal household waste?

Yes, you can still take food waste to your local household waste recycling centre ('the tip'). However, we encourage you to use the new food waste collection service where available, as it's specifically designed for recycling food waste into energy and compost. If you do take it to the tip, check with staff on site - some centres may have separate containers for food waste, while others may ask you to place it in general waste.

What will happen with Christmas collections? (A lot more waste, change to collection days)

Like other waste services, food waste collections may have temporary changes over the Christmas period due to bank holidays and increased demand. We'll share any changes to collection days well in advance, so you'll know when to put your caddy out.

We understand there's often more food waste at this time of year, so please make use of your food waste caddy to help keep your general waste down and reduce what ends up going to incineration.

How does this work economically? Is someone making money from the electricity and fertiliser produced from food waste?

The food waste will be processed by a privately owned Anaerobic Digestion company selected through a competitive procurement process. The detailed economics are commercial matters for the contractor. However, the model is financially sustainable and offers savings over current Energy from Waste treatment.

Typically, the operator earns income from selling electricity or biomethane. Fertiliser (digestate) usually results in a net cost. Whether the operator pays for or is paid to take food waste depends on its energy value and commercial negotiations.

What happens at the Anaerobic Digester, and who owns it?

The Anaerobic Digester is owned by a private company. The process mimics the human digestive system and has three main stages. First, contamination is removed and the food waste is turned into a pumpable 'soup'. It goes into an oxygen-free tank for about seven days, where hydrolysis beaks down cell walls into sugars - similar to how a stomach works. The mixture is then pasteurised to kill pathogens and weed seeds.

Next, it enters a digester where bacteria (methanogens) produce biogas. This biogas is either used to generate electricity or upgraded to biomethane, both of which are exported to the national grid. After 3-4 weeks, the remaining material becomes digestate - a nutrient-rich fertiliser stored in lagoons and later spread on farmland, reducing resilience on artificial fertilisers.